Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Elevated, Youngster Lindblad Secures Grand Prix Debut.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the standings. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
Red Bull has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, promoting Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
This driver musical chairs results in Japan's Yuki Tsunoda exiting the grid post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
The British teen drove FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull from the age of 12 years old.
Discussing the team's junior academy, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "looks really promising", commending his "pure speed".
Red Bull has been working since last year to ready Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
Lindblad stated it was a "proud moment", commenting: "Next season represents a massive test, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
He has won a couple of victories in F2 so far this season and is sixth in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, achieved at the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
The Frenchman's debut season started on a low note when he crashed on the formation lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, from that point, he has emerged as one of the stand-out newcomers this season.
He included an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he lies 10th in the championship.
A senior team figure commented: "Hadjar has shown great maturity and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can excel next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have opted for Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. However, he has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he merits another season.
Tsunoda, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His best result is a sixth place, and he has scored a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there remains no place on the Red Bull programme for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
